How Can I Be Thankful?

“Give thanks in all circumstances….”

How?

My daughter is in Iraq. I am fighting diabetes. I have no job. My son is doing drugs. My marriage is falling a part. I’m depressed. My bank account is overdrawn. I’m tired of being sick and tired.

Circumstances affect each of us differently. It is easier to say, “give thanks in all circumstances” than to actually do it. Especially, if the person saying it has never gone through troubled times.

In this case, the one saying it knew exactly what he was talking about. Paul, an Apostle of Jesus had his moments in the suffering department.

Flogged 5 times with the Jews 39 lashes
Beaten by Roman rods 3 times
Betrayed by those who pretended to be a friend
Pummeled with rocks
Many sleepless nights and missed meals.

Paul said, “And that’s the half of it, when you throw in the daily pressures and anxieties of all the churches.” 1 Corinthians 11:28 (MSG)

No doubt, circumstances can make life difficult to deal with. The pain is real. Adversity is hard. And, trials take us on a journey of suffering. If allowed, difficult circumstances can wear us down, zap our joy, and defeat us. Our vision is blurred by what isn’t possible, rather than, what is possible.

Thanksgiving comes when we walk with God on the journey. God will lead us to the very place that restores our joy and hope. He allows us to take a breather and regroup so that we will be refreshed and strengthened.

Our circumstances may take longer than we desire and life may seem like it is crashing down. Never allow your hand to lose its grip from God’s nor your eyes from wondering off to find a quick solution. Trust God’s leading.

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian